We managed to get a look at the second generation prototype of Nukeproof's Scalp downhill bike before it was stolen from Hotlines' London show.
Resplendent in bright yellow – the production frame will also be available in 'hard silver' or black anodised finishes – it looks like a race-winning machine, and rumours are already floating around of a Nukeproof World Cup team for 2011.
The Scalp will initially be available as a frameset only (£1,499.99), with plans for a complete bike later in 2011. It's expected to go on sale at the end of November, assuming that the third generation prototype that's currently being developed ticks all the boxes.
Changes over the second prototype seen here will include a slimmed-down rear end and a one-piece CNC-machined bottom bracket shell with integrated ISCG tabs. The aim is to shave around 1lb of weight; the current frame weighs around 39lb when kitted out with World Cup level equipment.
The mk2 Scalp prototype weighs 39lb (in team issue guise, rather than with the own-brand components pictured here); expect 1lb to be shaved from the production frame
Built from 6061 aluminium, and with a 63-degree head angle, the Scalp is going to come with a RockShox Vivid 5.1 shock as standard, with a Cane Creek upgrade as an option. The green stanchions on the Marzocchi 888 fork fitted here are team issue only.
Sizing is still to be confirmed, but at Cycle Show 2010, Nukeproof (and Ragley) designer Brant Richards told us he was thinking of offering three options. For more on the Scalp, see issue 258 of Mountain Biking UK, due out next month.
Nukeproof admit the current rear end is a little overbuilt; expect some changes here before the frame hits shops later this year
Other Nukeproof news
Pricing looks like it will be slightly lower than previously expected for the Snap four-cross bike and Mega all-mountain beast, with £349.99 now touted for the former frame and £899.99 for the latter. Check out the thumbnail gallery for more images of these two bikes.
Nukeproof have also refined their stems since the first prototypes went on show, with a more angular look and the direct-mount downhill option now being three- rather than two-piece (face plate plus left and right lowers). Pricing for this should be around the £60 mark.
The production direct-mount stem will be a three-piece unit, unlike this two-piece prototype
Other plans for 2011 include new saddle designs and graphics, new rim graphics and a downhill race wheelset that will combine Sun MTX29 rims with Nukeproof hubs.
